Lahore: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has rejected the federal budget and announced a nationwide protest movement against the government’s fiscal policies, criticizing what he described as an increasing burden on citizens and a lack of meaningful economic relief.
According to Beyond Time News, the JI chief made the announcement while addressing the media in Lahore, where he outlined several concerns regarding taxation, public debt, energy sector costs, and government expenditures.
The development adds to growing political debate surrounding the federal budget, with opposition parties and various stakeholders expressing differing views on the government’s economic strategy.
Hafiz Naeem Rejects Federal Budget
Speaking to journalists, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said the budget fails to address the challenges faced by ordinary citizens, particularly those struggling with inflation and rising living costs.
According to Beyond Time News, he announced that Jamaat-e-Islami would launch a protest campaign aimed at highlighting what the party considers shortcomings in the government’s financial policies.
The JI leader argued that greater attention should be given to reducing the burden on consumers and improving economic conditions for lower- and middle-income households.
Criticism of Petroleum Development Levy
A major focus of Hafiz Naeem’s criticism was the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL).
He claimed that citizens have paid more than Rs8 trillion under the levy over the past 25 years. According to Beyond Time News, he alleged that the levy has increasingly been used to compensate for revenue shortfalls when tax collection targets are not fully achieved.
The Petroleum Development Levy is a key source of non-tax revenue for the government and plays an important role in fiscal planning.
However, critics argue that higher fuel-related charges ultimately increase costs for consumers and businesses.
Concerns Over Energy Sector Costs
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief also raised concerns about capacity payments made to Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
According to Beyond Time News, Hafiz Naeem stated that substantial annual payments are made in the form of capacity charges, which he believes contribute to higher electricity costs.
Capacity payments have remained a major topic of discussion in Pakistan’s energy sector, with policymakers seeking reforms aimed at improving efficiency and reducing financial pressures on consumers.
Energy experts note that the issue remains closely linked to broader efforts to address structural challenges within the power sector.
Debt Burden Highlighted
Hafiz Naeem also expressed concern about Pakistan’s growing public debt and debt-servicing obligations.
He argued that a significant portion of government resources is allocated toward interest payments, reducing the fiscal space available for development projects and public welfare initiatives.
According to Beyond Time News, he called for policies that focus on long-term economic sustainability and reduced reliance on borrowing.
Economists have frequently emphasized the importance of balancing development needs with responsible fiscal management to maintain economic stability.
Calls for Spending Reforms
The JI leader proposed several measures aimed at reducing government expenditures.
Among his demands were restrictions on the Petroleum Development Levy, reforms related to capacity payments, and a review of development funds allocated to parliamentarians.
Furthermore, he called for limitations on the use of government vehicles with engine capacities above 1200cc, arguing that public resources should be utilized more efficiently.
According to Beyond Time News, these proposals form part of Jamaat-e-Islami’s broader campaign advocating fiscal discipline and expenditure reforms.
Read more:Jamaat-e-Islami Protests Karachi Water Shortage, Warns of Citywide Strike
Growing Debate Over Budget Priorities
The federal budget has generated extensive discussion among political parties, business groups, economists, and civil society organizations.
Supporters of the budget argue that it seeks to balance economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and social protection. Meanwhile, critics contend that additional measures are needed to address inflation, taxation concerns, and household financial pressures.
According to Beyond Time News, the government has defended the budget as a reform-oriented plan designed to support economic stability and growth.
However, opposition parties continue to challenge various aspects of the government’s economic agenda.
Protest Movement Expected to Expand
Jamaat-e-Islami leaders have indicated that their protest campaign will involve public gatherings, awareness activities, and engagement with citizens across different regions of the country.
The party aims to mobilize public opinion on economic issues while pressing the government to reconsider certain budgetary measures.
Political observers believe the campaign could become a significant part of the broader debate over economic policy in the coming months.
As discussions over the budget continue, policymakers, opposition parties, and stakeholders are expected to remain actively engaged in shaping the national economic discourse.
FAQs
Why has Jamaat-e-Islami rejected the federal budget?
The party argues that the budget places additional burdens on citizens and does not provide sufficient economic relief.
What is the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL)?
The PDL is a government levy imposed on petroleum products and serves as a source of non-tax revenue.
What are capacity charges?
Capacity charges are payments made to power producers to ensure electricity generation capacity remains available when needed.
What reforms did Hafiz Naeem propose?
He called for reviewing the petroleum levy, reducing capacity charges, limiting certain government expenditures, and reforming development fund allocations.
What action has Jamaat-e-Islami announced?
The party has announced a nationwide protest movement against the federal budget and related economic policies.
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